Editorial comparison · Reviewed August 2026

3Commas vs Gunbot

This comparison is primarily architectural. 3Commas stores and uses exchange credentials in its managed service; Gunbot encrypts them on the user's host.

3Commas72/100
Moderate risk
Gunbot72/100
Moderate risk
Why this comparison exists

Managed cloud automation versus locally run trading software.

Gunbot offers local control, custom JavaScript and lifetime licensing but requires secure system administration. 3Commas is easier to operate and more corporately transparent, with a documented 2022 incident.

Research factor3CommasGunbot
Expert Score72/10072/100
Trust Score78/10065/100
Risk LevelModerate riskModerate risk
PricingFree plan; Starter $20, Pro $50 and Expert $140 per month at monthly billingLifetime Standard, Pro and DeFi licenses; Gunbot Unlimited $29 monthly; promotional lifetime prices change
Free PlanYes– No
Supported ExchangesBinance, Bybit, OKX, Kraken, KuCoin, Coinbase Advanced, Gate.io, BitgetBinance, Bybit, Kraken, KuCoin, OKX, Bitget, Hyperliquid, dYdX
Bot TypesDCA Bot, Grid Bot, Signal BotGridbot, Native strategies, Custom JavaScript strategies, DeFi automation
Security Score62/10082/100
Transparency Score82/10055/100
Features Score92/10093/100
API TradingYesYes
Withdrawal AccessNot required for documented bot connectionsUsually unnecessary and should remain disabled
Paper TradingYesYes
BacktestingYesYes
Mobile AppYesYes
Concerns Found3 documented3 documented
02

Features and target users

The scores are comparable; the workflows are not identical.

3Commas

The platform covers DCA, Grid and Signal automation with backtesting, paper trading and many exchange connections. Feature depth is a strength, but it increases configuration and operational risk.

Best aligned with
  • Experienced multi-exchange automation users
  • Traders who need DCA, Grid and Signal workflows together

Gunbot

Gunbot suits advanced users seeking Grid, native, custom JavaScript and DeFi automation with programmatic control.

Best aligned with
  • Technical self-hosting users
  • Custom strategy developers
03

Security and custody

Permissions and architecture matter more than security slogans.

3Commas

3Commas is non-custodial in the sense that connected funds stay at the exchange, but trading API keys remain powerful credentials. Official documentation says withdrawal permission is unnecessary and describes an isolated signing system. The 2022 key exposure materially limits confidence until users can review current independent assurance.

Security score 62/100

Gunbot

Gunbot's local model removes a central cloud key database but makes each installation its own security perimeter.

Self-hosted, non-custodial software; exchange funds remain on exchanges

Security score 82/100
04

Pricing, bot types and limitations

3Commas

Pricing: Free plan; Starter $20, Pro $50 and Expert $140 per month at monthly billing

Bot types: DCA Bot, Grid Bot, Signal Bot

Main limitation: Documented 2022 API-key exposure

Read the 3Commas research profile

Gunbot

Pricing: Lifetime Standard, Pro and DeFi licenses; Gunbot Unlimited $29 monthly; promotional lifetime prices change

Bot types: Gridbot, Native strategies, Custom JavaScript strategies, DeFi automation

Main limitation: Requires secure host administration

Read the Gunbot research profile
Editorial conclusion

3Commas scores higher overall; that does not make it the right architecture for everyone.

Gunbot suits technical users who accept host responsibility; 3Commas suits users who prefer managed infrastructure.

Scores evaluate product quality and evidence, not expected returns. Confirm current prices, eligibility and API scopes before connecting an exchange.

3Commas reviewGunbot review